Siena’s cuisine is rich in authentic flavors, traditional peasant roots, and fresh local ingredients. Dining in Siena is a journey through some of Tuscany’s most time-honored dishes, including ribollita, pici, and desserts dating back centuries. Below are some iconic dishes that are a must-try.
Starters: Crostini and Tuscan Cold Cuts
Tuscan antipasti make for a delightful start to any meal. Crostini neri are slices of toasted bread spread with a chicken liver pâté seasoned with herbs and spices, a local favorite. A classic starter in Siena includes Tuscan cured meats such as prosciutto, finocchiona (a fennel-flavored salami), and capocollo, often served with local pecorino cheese and honey.
First Courses: Pici and Ribollita
For first courses, pici are the most famous pasta in the area. This thick, hand-rolled spaghetti is often served with wild boar ragù or sugo all’aglione (a tomato and garlic sauce), showcasing the rustic, bold flavors of Siena’s cuisine. Another traditional dish is ribollita, a hearty vegetable and bread soup made with black cabbage and beans, reheated multiple times until it reaches a creamy consistency.
Main Courses: Wild Boar and Bistecca alla Fiorentina
Siena’s main courses are filling and packed with flavor, such as wild boar stew cooked slowly with red wine, spices, and tomatoes, or the famed bistecca alla fiorentina—a thick-cut steak served rare. Both dishes showcase the Tuscan tradition of using local meats prepared with slow, flavorful cooking methods.
Desserts: Panforte, Ricciarelli, and Cantucci
Siena has a long-standing confectionery tradition, with desserts dating back to the Middle Ages. Panforte is a dense, spiced cake made with honey, nuts, and candied fruit. Ricciarelli, almond-based cookies dusted with powdered sugar, pair perfectly with a glass of local vinsanto. Finally, cantucci, almond biscotti, are an ideal treat to dip in vinsanto as a sweet way to end your meal.
Where to Stay: Albergo Minerva in Siena
To enjoy Siena’s gastronomy and cultural highlights, Albergo Minerva provides an ideal base close to the city center. Located a few minutes from Siena’s historic heart, Albergo Minerva has 56 air-conditioned rooms across different categories, from affordable Easy-Economy rooms to spacious Junior Suites with views over the city center.
Services at Albergo Minerva
- Buffet Breakfast: Each morning, guests can savor a generous breakfast featuring Italian and international selections in a bright room overlooking the garden.
- Secure Covered Parking: The hotel offers 20 monitored parking spaces, ideal for guests arriving by car.
- Conference Room: Perfect for business travelers, the conference room can host up to 40 people.
Albergo Minerva is also a great choice for families and groups, offering amenities such as cribs, bottle warmers, and a children’s playroom. Additionally, its proximity to Orto de’ Pecci, a park with farm animals, makes the hotel especially enjoyable for families with young children.
Reservations and Special Offers
To book your stay and enjoy exclusive offers, visit the official Albergo Minerva website, call +39 0577.284474, or email info@albergominerva.it.